Comptez sur Mes Serments (Count On My Oaths)

Art Historical Context

"Comptez sur Mes Ser (Count On My O)" is a captivating etching and engraving by Augustin de-Aubin, a prominent French printmaker from the illustrious Saint-Aubin family of artists. Created in 178—the pivotal year of the French Revolution—this work represents the second state of five as catalogued by Bocher, showcasing the meticulous revisions typical of fine printmaking. Measuring 21 3/8 × 15 1/4 inches on its sheet, it exemplifies the era's rococo-influenced satirical prints, often laced with wit and social commentary. The title, translating to "Count on My Oaths," evokes irony about solemn promises, likely poking fun at political or social hypocrisy amid France's turbulent upheavals. Saint-Aubin's expertise in etching and engraving allowed for intricate lines and tonal depth, making prints like this affordable vehicles for disseminating ideas to a wide audience. Tagged simply with "Men," it hints at male figures central to its narrative, reflecting the gendered discourse of revolutionary pamphlets and caricatures. Acquired through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1935, this piece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department invites visitors to ponder the power of visual satire in shaping public opinion. A testament to 18th-century technical innovation, it bridges art and history with elegant precision.

About the Artist

Augustin de Saint-Aubin · 1736–1807

Comment on works: Illustrator; Engraver